Dr. Paul J. Zak

Paul J. Zak is a scientist, prolific author, entrepreneur, and public speaker as well as Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of Ofactor, Inc. Zak’s book The Moral Molecule: The Source of Love and Prosperity was published in 2012 and was a finalist for the Wellcome Trust Book Prize.

He is the founding Director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies and Professor of Economics, Psychology and Management at Claremont Graduate University. Dr. Zak also serves as Professor of Neurology at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

He has degrees in mathematics and economics from San Diego State University, a Ph.D. in economics from University of Pennsylvania, and post-doctoral training in neuroimaging from Harvard.

He is credited with the first published use of the term "neuroeconomics" and has been a vanguard in this new discipline. He organized and administers the first doctoral program in neuroeconomics.

Dr. Zak's lab discovered in 2004 that the brain chemical oxytocin allows us to determine who to trust. His current research has shown that oxytocin is responsible for virtuous behaviors, working as the brain's "moral molecule." This knowledge is being used to understand the basis for civilization and modern economies, improve negotiations, and treat patients with neurologic and psychiatric disorders.

Dr. Zak's work on oxytocin and relationships has earned him the nickname "Dr. Love." He is a regular TED speaker and has appeared on, Good Morning America, Dr. Phil, Fox & Friends, ABC Evening News, NPR, with his work covered by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Time, The Economist, Scientific American, Fast Company, Forbes, and many others. His popular blog, The Moral Molecule, is featured on the Psychology Today website with a dedicated, active following. His current research focuses on the neuroscience of high performance organizations and the neurobiology of narrative.